11/10/2025
Though she moves through life on a motorised scooter and only has use of her right hand, her spirit knows no limits. Born with cerebral palsy and given little chance of living past 50, Phyllis Woolf, an amazing 70-year-old has beaten the odds — and shares her incredible journey in her book, 31 Years to Peel a Banana.
What began as a personal journal became a powerful reflection on resilience, self-discovery, and the beauty of living authentically.
Against all odds, she goes on to face her demons, get a degree, build a house, parasail, scuba dive, swim with dolphins, ride an elephant, travel the world. Sassy, but warm, funny and deeply insightful, she uses her own life as an example of what we can achieve if we take responsibility for who we are. In a society obsessed by material things, she is a constant reminder that we are not defined merely by our physical appearance, but also by the capacity of our minds and spirit.
She says: ‘Every one of us has a disability of some kind – mine we can see!'
31 Years to Peel a Banana is more than a memoir; it’s a reminder that no matter your circumstances, you can rise, adapt, and inspire others along the way.
